Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition example of a German WWII Heer Army Artillery Officer’s M38 overseas cap (Schiffchen). The overseas cap, nicknamed in German military slang as Schiffchen, or literally “little ship” as it resembled an up-turned row-boat, was standard issue for all branches of the Heer.
This example is constructed of a a field gray (feldgrau) wool exterior, with a brown rayon lining. It features a fine machine embroidered eagle, with silver thread on a field gray base, the standard Heer colors. The “scallop” on the front has silver piping on top, which is also around the cap crown, indicating officer issue. There is also a very nice Hochrot (Deep Red) V-shaped soutache, which is the Waffenfarbe (Corps Color) for the Heer Artillery corps, as well as the Assault Gun and Flak Artillery Corps. Inside of this is a hand-embroidered bullion National Tri-Color Cockade, so this is definitely an earlier war issue.
Condition of this cap is very good, though it has suffered a few small areas of moth damage to the wool outer portion, as shown. The top fold of the cap was also tack stitched together to improve the look when worn. We do not know if this was done by the original maker, or by the soldier who used it. The color is retained quite well, and this is definitely a very attractive and colorful overseas cap. Ready to add to your collection!